About the campaign

‘No One Asks For It’ has been developed in partnership by Edinburgh University Students’ Association, Edinburgh University Sports Union, and the University of Edinburgh to challenge sexual harassment and violence on our campuses.

We want to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and safe.

The campaign is based on research carried out by the UK Government, the National Union of Students (NUS), and other Higher Education bodies.

Why is this campaign needed?

In short, because sexual harassment is still an issue across the UK.

NUS research shows that in 2010 68% of women students had experienced verbal or physical assault. And more recently, a 2015 survey of students found that 17% had been harassed during their very first week of University.

We also know that a range of behaviours sometimes described as ‘lad culture’ are on the rise at UK universities. While lad culture has its roots in hypermasculinity, this isn’t about blaming certain individuals or groups for sexual harassment. This is about acknowledging that a culture that normalises disrespectful and violating behaviour, such as the use of derogatory terms and sexualised jokes, contributes to an atmosphere where sexual harassment is tolerated, and we want to challenge that.

We know that anyone can experience sexual harassment and are committed to supporting those who do, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, or disability. However, it is also important to acknowledge that this is a gendered issue – research shows that the majority of those who experience sexual harassment are women, and the majority of perpetrators are men.

Edinburgh University Students’ Association, Edinburgh University Sports Union, and the University of Edinburgh are committed to providing and promoting a positive environment for all our students, staff, and visitors. An environment that is free from all forms of prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. That is why we have launched ‘No One Asks For It’ and we ask all students and staff to join us in saying that sexual harassment, in any form, is never acceptable.

"I want to support the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Students’ Association and Edinburgh University Sports Union's “No One Asks For It” campaign, which aims to challenge sexual harassment. All students and staff at Edinburgh should feel safe, supported and respected: sexual harassment, in whatever form, has no place in our University or on our campuses. I hope you will support the campaign too, by signing the pledge, talking about it and by speaking up if you witness sexual harassment. #NoOneAsksForIt."

"This campaign is really important in making sure everyone at our university, especially women, is safe from sexual violence and harassment. I'm hoping staff and students take full advantage of the training and advice on how to take action as bystanders so we can really improve support and awareness. Make sure you ask your Personal Tutor if they have taken the training!"

Robin Drummond,

President, Edinburgh University Sports Union

“Edinburgh University Sports Union back this campaign because it is a right of all students not to suffer harassment while at University. As an organisation we are committed to making sure our sports clubs are open, accessible, friendly environments and this campaign is part of it. We will strive to see as many of our students as possible take advantage of the training available and help remove all forms of sexual harassment from our campuses.”